Jaipur Travel Guide

Jaipur's
illustrious pink color symbolizes 'welcome' and was embraced during the
times of the ruler Ram Singh II when he expected the Prince of Wales in
1876. The color was selected after several experiments to cut down the
severe glare from the reflection of the glowing rays of the sun. Today,
the city is a foremost tourist attraction in India because of its
superlative forts, grandiose palaces, vivacious temples, multicolored
bazaars, pulsating streets and its distinguished pink color to which the
city owes its oft-used name 'The Pink City'.

Jaipur City
was conceived and
built by the great and mighty king, Sawai Raja Jai Singh. Its name
'Jaipur' has dual emphasis. 'Jai' means victory and is also the first
name of its maker. Today, every home within the old city is obliged by
law to maintain this uniqueness of the city. Throughout the old city you
can see the traditional, marvelous, pink-colored houses with latticed
windows lending charm to a scene, which is almost miraculous at sunset.

Temples in Jaipur
speak
volumes of the devotion and faith with which they were built and the
fragrant air of their vast intricately-carved and designed sanctums
seems to be charged with tranquility and peace that corresponds to the
soul of the spiritual growth that attracts many westerners to India.
Govind Deo ji ka Mandir, was once a massive structure of seven storeys
built in 1890 with the sum of astronomical cost of one crore rupees that
was a very large sum in those days and accounts for its magnificence.
The natural springs of Galtaji and perhaps the only Kalki temple that is
closed since the day it has been built, are some other notable temples
in the city.

1. Govind Deo ji ka Mandir,
2. Galtaji Temple, and
3. Kalki temple.

Forts & Palaces of Jaipur
Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan
boasts of three magnificent forts - Nahargarh Fort, Amber Fort and
Jaigarh Fort. Jal Mahal (the Water Palace) is a stunning place and was
absolutely fit for being the royal retreat. City Palace is still the
royal residence and sprawls over the one-seventh of the walled city.
Rugged exteriors and tasteful interiors along with picturesque settings,
intricate stone carvings, beautiful paintings, graceful latticework and
artistically planned gardens are characteristics of mostly all the forts
and palaces of Rajasthan. There are strong influences of Mughal
architecture and British aristocracy along with fierce culture and
traditions that very much reverberate through every nook and corner of
these magnificent buildings.

Jaipur Tourism - Tourists fell in love with the place instantly
with its pink colored houses, latticed windows and balconies adorning
its monuments that are just too many for anybody. There is Hawa Mahal
with its honeycomb pyramidical structure and there is Jantar Mantar, an
astronomical observatory, which is capable of accurate predictions to
this date. The City Palace along with a number of other splendid palaces
and mighty forts adorn the city. Since it was the royal residence of the
rulers of the princely state, it also has some beautiful temples that
are worth a visit.

Excursions in Jaipur- While at Jaipur, who would like to miss
the chance to experience the three distinct worlds nearby. While golden
deserts of Jaisalmer seems to beckon to us by the swirling shifting
movements of its shimmering sands, Udaipur is a lake delight with
beautiful island palaces that are perhaps the most romantic spots in the
world. The blue skies above, the clear waters below and lush green hills
around, makes the boat cruise in these lakes a divine experience.
Talking of divinity, don't miss to treat your eyes with the erotic
sculptures of Khajuraho that has been declared a world heritage site
since 1986. The temples celebrate the courtly charms of beauty, sex and
creative arts, 'Kamasutra' etched in stone. The places to see are: -